South Dakota industrial hemp plan approved

RAPID CITY – Farmers will be able to go grow hemp during the growing season of 2021 after the South Dakota Rules Review Committee approved the state’s industrial hemp rules on Dec. 7.

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture oversees the industrial hemp program but the Department of Public safety will conduct crop inspections and dispose of hemp that is in violation with the rules.

According to the rules, there will be a 60 day application window for farmers who wish to grow hemp and, if approved, licenses will be active for 15 months. Growers will be required to pay a $250 inspection fee which must be completed more than 15 days before the hemp is harvested.

Hemp that is grown must not contain more than 0.3% THC concentration, and non-compliant hemp will be confiscated and disposed of under the direction of the Department of Public Safety.